The Pontypridd rock outfit made lots of new friends at SXSW in Austin, Texas – so much so that the have been invited back again this year. In addition, they will shortly be releasing a new 6 track EP ‘ Paradise Closed’ – a follow up to their critically-acclaimed debut album The Narrator (2013).

‘Happy Being Miserable’ – an upbeat song that is the opening track for a more carefully produced and accomplished collection of songs than the band have previously released . This track is a witty,heavily laden sarcastic track that is both fun and catchy

‘Club 27’ follows and is by contrast a blues based track and the forthcoming single to be released on 15th March. With a sound that could be likened to Bruce Springstein’ this is a strong anthem track that deserves to receive due acclaim being a stand out song that pays tribute to some of the music world’s young losses; this will definitely engage audiences and have them singing along

‘Matchday’ – this previous released single which has received an encouraging amount of airplay as well as having been used for Welsh Rugby Union coverage – reminiscent of the Killer’s Sam’s Town, with Leon Stanford duetting with occasional support singer Greta Isaac.

‘Needle In A Haystack’ – a track that would slip easily into a Coldplay album, another catchy track with changing tempos, it is quite simply instrumentally brilliant.

‘When The Fire Goes Out’ a memorable track with strong acoustics and leading piano. The soft tempo of this track, with delicate guitars, builds to showcase a depth to Leon’s voice that is a match for Chris Martin or Bono.

This EP is superb and showcases a variety and depth to their music and songwriting that few bands around at the moment have, and without doubt the best they have written so far. This band have produced an EP of quality that deserves serious recognition; this band have a strong future.

The Gospel Youth, an up and coming band from Brighton are made up of members from two previous bands The Auteur and Fleeing From Finales.

Following on from the release of last year’s debut EP Kids, The Gospel Youth have been hard at work writing and recording the follow-up EP, Empires, set for release on 13th July. Bassist and vocalist Sam Little says that Empire depicts ‘The highs and lows, the love, the hate’ and ‘It has been, and is a trip that we’ve lost ourselves into and tried to pour into this record’.

The result is an accomplished and memorable follow up EP that should set this Brighton quartet on course to follow in the footsteps of other current, notable British bands. Their sound, can be likened to and draws on the strengths of both Deaf Havana and Mallory Knox, whilst successfully managing to maintain a uniqueness and individuality.

The EP is delightfully varied. Upbeat catchy tracks such as Homesick, Stay Positive and Empires highlight the very adept guitar playing of Julian Bowers and Kev Deverick – displaying delicate finger work and complex riffs, set against the accomplished, driving drum rhythms of Max Wingell.

In contrast, the mellow and beautifully written If She’s The Rope showcases the on-point vocals of Sam Little – a voice of surprising depth and strength, which successfully duets against the subtle yet deft strains of a single guitar.

Each member of this band provide a talented contribution, displaying vocals and accomplished musicianship that will take them far. The Gospel Youth are a band that deserve greater recognition – they are certainly a match for the bands currently at the top of they game on the UK rock pop scene.

Look out for this band; I am sure you will soon begin to hear a lot from them and deservedly so!